Redskin Briefs: 'skins Gag On Philly Follies

Several members of the Washington Redskins huddled around a copy of the Philadelphia Inquirer before weight training Thursday morning in Carlisle, Pa., shaking their heads at what they were reading.

Coach Richie Kotite of the Philadelphia Eagles, angry at the players' open criticism of management for allowing such talented free agents as Reggie White and Keith Byars to leave, issued a gag rule that made the front page of the paper.

In effect, players who complained would be fined one week's pay. In most cases, that's $50,000 and up.

``You can gag the players, but if you don't take care of the problem it still exists,'' said veteran defensive tackle Eric Williams of Washington. ``It sounds like they need to have a closed door meeting and open lines of communication all the way to the top. If you're frustrated and can't talk to people at the top, it's only natural to go public.

``That situation would never happen here. The Redskins do a good job of weeding out bad character, and the open door policy by the coaches and front office people keeps problems like that from arising.''

TAKE THE DAY OFF. Head coach Richie Petitbon said receiver Desmond Howard, recovering from a strained groin, and quarterback Cary Conklin, recovering from offseason knee surgery, would not scrimmage Saturday against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Carlisle High School.

``We want to make sure Desmond is completely healed before he takes contact work,'' Petitbon said. ``The same for Cary. He could probably play, but we want to get him healthy for the exhibition season. That's where jobs are won.''

IRON MAN. With Conklin sidelined, Petitbon said Mark Rypien would open at quarterback but that second-year Chris Hakel of William and Mary would get most of the work.

``Hakel can throw the ball,'' Petitbon said, ``but he needs a lot of work. His only problem is he doesn't have any experience.''

IT'S LIKE THIS. The World According to Petitbon, Day Four.

* On noticing speedy cornerback Darrell Green walking with a slight limp: ``He may walk with a limp, but he doesn't run with one.''

* On lending his name to two successful restaurants in the D.C. area: ``The best I ever did in business was break even. The restaurants are doing great because I have nothing to do with it.''

* On wanting to be a dentist: ``My father wanted me to be a doctor, but I didn't want to be one. I figured a dentist was close enough. It's a good thing it didn't work out because the cost of malpractice insurance would have been out of sight today.''

SHORT TAKES. Even with Howard - who has all but been handed a starting job - on the sideline, Art Monk, the NFL's all-time leading receiver, continues to run with Stephen Hobbs on the second unit. Ricky Sanders and Tim McGee are running with the first team. ... Free agent Derek Steele, of Warwick High School and the University of Maryland, and rookie Sterling Palmer are the third-team defensive ends. ... Robert Green of William and Mary is the backup to starting running back Brian Mitchell, but prized rookie Reggie Brooks may soon move into the No. 2 spot.